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Makes total sense to have a white label car platform, especially in a post level 5 self-driving future when automobiles become automaton providing a range of se

by wrnr 6y ago

Makes total sense to have a white label car platform, especially in a post level 5 self-driving future when automobiles become automaton providing a range of services going from taxying people to delivering groceries and even joy riding experience with vehicles that accelerate halfway through a corner for extra G. The fleet managers will want to customise everything ranging from designing the cargo area to branding the exterior.

baybal2 6y ago
Most sedans, and hatchbacks are already made using "car platforms" by major manufacturers, which are manufactured in ennormous quantities for maximum economies of scale, and are shared by a dozen or so car models per platform. Platform kits are then only customized with body panells, interior, and a badge by the car brand.
- fma 6y ago
  Just to provide examples: General Motors EV: https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/16/21439374/gm-unveils-ultium-drive-family-of-electric-motors https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/16/21439374/gm-unveils-ultiu... For example, Ultium is expected to provide the foundation for GM’s upcoming Hummer pickup truck and SUV; the luxury Cadillac Lyriq SUV; an electric delivery van; and two electric vehicles that the automaker is making in partnership with Honda. Volkswagon: https://jalopnik.com/the-fascinating-engineering-behind-vws-electric-car-pla-1829257860 https://jalopnik.com/the-fascinating-engineering-behind-vws-... It is supposedly capable of underpinning everything from the aforementioned I.D. compact car (which VW also refers to as the “Neo”) and I.D. Crozz SUV, to a sedan based on the I.D. Vizzion concept, to a modern interpretation of the VW Microbus based on the I.D. Buzz concept.
  - dzhiurgis 6y ago
    Difference is that MEB or Ultium are developed internally in US or EU. They gonna engineer essentially identical part that most people not gonna care for. Differentiator is UX - this is where Tesla still winning and where Apple wants to step in. Plus manufacturing in Taiwan gets you near China costs + top notch engineers minus wariness of Chinese EVs (which most people scoff at yet they are inevitable winners). p.s. I don't think it makes sense for Apple to be selling cars themselves. Rather they can make new iteration of CarPlay and partner up with Foxconn to sell the package to traditional car companies or other third parties - who just select trim, tyres and cabin based on the local market demographics.

by wrnr 6y ago

baybal2 6y ago

Most sedans, and hatchbacks are already made using "car platforms" by major manufacturers, which are manufactured in ennormous quantities for maximum economies of scale, and are shared by a dozen or so car models per platform. Platform kits are then only customized with body panells, interior, and a badge by the car brand.

fma 6y ago
Just to provide examples: General Motors EV: https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/16/21439374/gm-unveils-ultium-drive-family-of-electric-motors https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/16/21439374/gm-unveils-ultiu... For example, Ultium is expected to provide the foundation for GM’s upcoming Hummer pickup truck and SUV; the luxury Cadillac Lyriq SUV; an electric delivery van; and two electric vehicles that the automaker is making in partnership with Honda. Volkswagon: https://jalopnik.com/the-fascinating-engineering-behind-vws-electric-car-pla-1829257860 https://jalopnik.com/the-fascinating-engineering-behind-vws-... It is supposedly capable of underpinning everything from the aforementioned I.D. compact car (which VW also refers to as the “Neo”) and I.D. Crozz SUV, to a sedan based on the I.D. Vizzion concept, to a modern interpretation of the VW Microbus based on the I.D. Buzz concept.
- dzhiurgis 6y ago
  Difference is that MEB or Ultium are developed internally in US or EU. They gonna engineer essentially identical part that most people not gonna care for. Differentiator is UX - this is where Tesla still winning and where Apple wants to step in. Plus manufacturing in Taiwan gets you near China costs + top notch engineers minus wariness of Chinese EVs (which most people scoff at yet they are inevitable winners). p.s. I don't think it makes sense for Apple to be selling cars themselves. Rather they can make new iteration of CarPlay and partner up with Foxconn to sell the package to traditional car companies or other third parties - who just select trim, tyres and cabin based on the local market demographics.